Despite not playing since September because of injury, the playmaker was called up to the national team but the Blancos coach insists he will not go if he is unfit

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez has insisted that James Rodriguez will not feature for the Colombian national side due to injury, despite being called up by boss Jose Pekerman.

James has been out of action since injuring his left thigh in a friendly match with Peru in September and Goal understand that Real had been mystified by the Colombia coach’s decision to include the playmaker in the squad, although respecting the South American nation’s right to call-up the 24-year-old.

Benitez had revealed on Saturday that James picked up a knock in training, aggravating the thigh injury that has prevented him from appearing in a Real shirt since August, and the Spanish manager insisted that the 24-year-old will not fit to play for Colombia.

James will also miss Sunday’s La Liga clash between Real and Atletico Madrid, representing a blow for Los Blancos as they take on their city rivals.

“James was hit last Thursday during the training session in the injury zone [his thigh area], and has pain. He is not ready for the derby, nor the Colombian games,” the former Napoli and Inter coach said.

The Real boss also explained that the Colombian national team doctor and Pekerman were in Madrid to recieve the news, further emphasising that James will not be fit to play.

“Fortunately, the [Colombia national team] doctor Carlos Ulloa and the coach Pekerman are here in Madrid and have received all the information,” Benitez added.